Amid layoffs, Germany set to simplify work visas process for Indian I-T workers

Don't know German language? It will not be an issue and job seekers can learn the language once finding work in Germany, Scholz said.

Amid tech industry reeling with unprecedented layoffs, Germany is working on simplifying the work visa application process easier for Indian I-T workers.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Sunday said his government is working on improving the legal framework in order to make Germany an attractive place for software developers and I-T workers are his priority this year. "We want to make the issuing of visas easier," he said during a visit in Bengaluru. "Aside from the legal modernisation we want to modernise the entire bureaucratic process as well, Scholz added.

He claimed that people who cannot speak German can come to Germany but can speak in English to find jobs. However, they can learn the German language later, according to Scholz.

A survey conducted by the German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DIHK) claims that at least 20 lakn jobs remain vacant in the country and it is worth nearly 100 billion euros output.

Although it is not mandatory to learn German to work in Germany, it is mandatory for some jobs such as teaching to learn the language. Nonetheless, knowing the country's language has always been considered a big advantage to getting jobs in Germany.

In December 2022, India inked an agreement with Germany on Comprehensive Migration and Mobility Partnership that will facilitate mobility and employment opportunities for fostering the exchange of skills and talents.

The agreement includes the Academic Evaluation Center in New Delhi, 18 months extended residence permits to students, 3,000 job seeker visas annually, liberalised short stay multiple entry visas and streamlined readmission procedures, the statement from the government said.

The development comes as a boon for the I-T workers when leading tech companies including Google and Amazon have fired their employees following market uncertainties and recession.